Jim Fitzpatrick, Employment Minister, today announced the Government's proposals to increase workers' holiday entitlement from 20 days per year to 28.
New research has shown that up to six million workers would benefit from an extra eight days holiday each year under the plans. Some employers currently include the eight bank holidays as part of workers' 20-day annual leave entitlement (pro-rata for part-timers).
The Department of Trade (DTI) is launching a second public consultation in the implementation of the changes. Statutory annual leave entitlement would be increased in two stages, rising from 20 to 24 days on 1st October 2007, and from 24 to 28 days on 1st October 2008.
Research from the DTI found that groups to benefit most from the changes included women, part-time workers, low-paid workers and workers from minority ethnic communities. The move would protect vulnerable workers and allow reputable companies to compete on a more level playing field with those companies that give employees only the minimum of holiday entitlement.
Source: "Six million workers set to benefit from extra holiday entitlement", DTI news release, Thursday 11th January 2007
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Last Updated: 15/01/2007 15:25:54 By Sian Baird Murray
